Real Madrid-Barcelona: The first game of the year is a Clásico
The league leaders play their round 14 fixture at the WIZink Center (9pm CET).
A strong start to the year as the WiZink Center plays host to the Clásico tonight. Top of the table Real Madrid, who qualified for the Copa del Rey against Bilbao, welcome Barça and aim to secure the first victory of 2023 for our fans. This will be the third time that the two sides have clashed this season after Chus Mateo's team won the Supercopa and the Euroleague game at the Palau.
The madridistas arrive after a perfect December in the domestic competition, where they won six games in a row. The Catalan outfit come to our court in good form with three wins in their last three league games. When they last met in a league match was on 19 June in the fourth game of the final, which saw Madrid lift their 36th league title.
The madridistas arrive after a perfect December in the domestic competition, where they won six games in a row. The Catalan outfit come to our court in good form with three wins in their last three league games. When they last met in a league match was on 19 June in the fourth game of the final, which saw Madrid lift their 36th league title.
The Clásico is the most-played match in the history of the league 213 and, is likely to be decided by the smallest of details in this Real Madrid-Barcelona game. Chus Mateo's men have one of the best attacks in the competition and average almost six points more than their opponents per game. Their main offensive threat is Musa, who has averaged 16.5 points in his last four games. Alongside the Bosnian, Tavares also stands out, with eight games in double figures in scoring, as well as Yabusele.
Defence
Another key focus will be on defence. Barça concedes the second fewest points in the competition. They have also brought back one of the most influential players in Europe: Mirotic. The Montenegrin will however come up against a wall in the shape of Tavares. Duels on the paint will not be the only focus as Laprovittola, Satoransky and Kalinic are excellent shooters and our team will have to make the most of Hezonja, Llull and Causeur, among others. A huge game to kick off the year.
Defence
Another key focus will be on defence. Barça concedes the second fewest points in the competition. They have also brought back one of the most influential players in Europe: Mirotic. The Montenegrin will however come up against a wall in the shape of Tavares. Duels on the paint will not be the only focus as Laprovittola, Satoransky and Kalinic are excellent shooters and our team will have to make the most of Hezonja, Llull and Causeur, among others. A huge game to kick off the year.